Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025: India’s Flagship Chess Tournament Returns with Global Firepower and Future Aspirations

India’s most prestigious classical chess tournament, the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters (QCGM) 2025, is set to unfold in the country’s chess capital from August 7 to 15 at the Hyatt Regency, Chennai.

Now in its third edition, the event has evolved into a permanent fixture on the international chess calendar, bringing together ten of the world’s strongest Grandmasters and ten of India’s brightest challengers in a unique double-format showdown.

With ₹1 crore in total prize money and FIDE Circuit points crucial for qualification to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the tournament offers not just prestige but direct pathways to the sport’s most elite stages.

Masters Section: India’s Best Take On the World’s Elite

The Masters section at QCGM 2025 features a formidable 10-player round-robin format, boasting a Category XIX event average rating of 2700+, making it a bonafide Super-GM tournament. Five Indian Grandmasters led by World No. 5 Arjun Erigaisi face off against top-tier talent from the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, and Slovenia.

Confirmed Masters Players and Rankings (as of July 29, 2025) :

India’s Flagbearers: Erigaisi, Vidit, Nihal, and the Bold Pranav

• Arjun Erigaisi arrives as the top seed, ranked World No. 5, and a serious contender for the title. A consistent performer at the international level, Erigaisi’s recent surge positions him as the focal point of Indian interest.
• Vidit Gujrathi and Nihal Sarin, seasoned Grandmasters with solid international credentials, add depth to the Indian charge. Both players are capable of upsetting any opponent and have previous experience in super-tournaments.
• Pranav V, the 18-year-old World Junior Champion and winner of the 2024 QCGM Challengers section, is the local wildcard with a global appetite. Making his Masters debut, Pranav will be facing 2700-rated opposition in classical time controls for the first time but approaches the event with a no-pressure attitude: “I’ll just go and have fun.” This youthful mindset might turn out to be his secret weapon.

The International Threats: Giri, Keymer, Fedoseev & Co.

The Masters field isn’t short of global firepower. Anish Giri, a mainstay in the world’s top 10, is known for his bulletproof preparation and dynamic evolution. Vincent Keymer, Germany’s brightest hope, has been climbing rapidly and previously served as a second to reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju.

Vladimir Fedoseev, representing Slovenia, brings both classical strength and rapid flair. The Dutch maverick Jorden Van Foreest, winner of Tata Steel 2021, will be looking to stir up chaos with his unorthodox style. Meanwhile, American duo Ray Robson and Awonder Liang round out the lineup with balance Robson with steady positional understanding and Liang with bold, tactical dynamism.

Challengers Section: The Nursery of India’s Next Wave

The Challengers section, also a 10-player round-robin, is where the stars of tomorrow are molded. The winner of this section automatically qualifies for the 2026 Masters, replicating the Pranav V model of promotion.

Confirmed Challengers :

The inclusion of top women’s players like Harika Dronavalli and Vaishali Rameshbabu, alongside veterans like Adhiban, reflects the diverse talent base being nurtured through this event. The format also welcomes IM Harshvardhan GB, the first-ever International Master to qualify via online qualifiers, signaling QCGM’s commitment to grassroots integration.

Financial Stakes and FIDE Circuit Points

The ₹1 crore prize pool is divided across both sections, with ₹75 lakh allocated for the Masters and ₹25 lakh for Challengers.

Prize Money Breakdown (Masters) :

• 1st: ₹25L
• 2nd: ₹15L
• 3rd: ₹10L
• Down to ₹1.8L for 10th place

Prize Money Breakdown (Challengers):

• 1st: ₹7L + guaranteed Masters slot in 2026
• 2nd: ₹4L
• 3rd: ₹3.25L
• Down to ₹1L for 10th place

FIDE Circuit Points (for Candidates 2026 qualification):

• 1st Place: 24.5 points
• Joint Winners: 22.3 each
• 2nd Place: 17.8
• 3rd Place: 15.6

The inclusion of FIDE Circuit points cements QCGM’s place as a tournament of global consequence. For players like Erigaisi and Giri, who are vying for spots in the 2026 Candidates, a top finish here could become a decisive factor.

Chennai’s Enduring Chess Legacy

Chennai has earned its tag as the “factory of Indian chess”, having produced both Indian World Champions Viswanathan Anand and current titleholder Gukesh D. Institutions like the Madras Chess Academy and a network of clubs led by former GMs ensure continuous grooming of talent.

This year’s QCGM sits perfectly within a packed calendar strategically timed before the FIDE World Cup and Grand Swiss, both offering Candidates spots. While Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa miss out due to Grand Chess Tour duties, QCGM retains its stature through thoughtful scheduling and strong line-ups.

As the QCGM enters its third edition, it is fast becoming India’s answer to the Tata Steel Chess Tournament a global benchmark of tradition and elite competition. With a clear developmental ladder, rising media visibility, and sustained government and private backing, the tournament reflects India’s growing influence in the global chess ecosystem. For fans, it’s a 10-day festival of classical chess brilliance. For players, it’s a battlefield with stakes that go far beyond prize money toward reputation, rating, and a shot at the World Championship cycle.

Follow IndiaSportsHub for daily coverage, player reactions, and behind-the-scenes stories from QCGM 2025. The game is on.